This past weekend we traveled to Saskatchewan so that we could spend time with family. Unfortunately the circumstances of our trip were unfortunate as we were there to attend a funeral. The funeral was for Ruby, my sister-in-law's mother as she lost her battle with cancer. At her funeral, we heard more of the amazing woman of God she was and how she touched so many lives. Terry's nephew did the tribute from the grandchildren and did a wonderful job speaking of the relationship she had with each grandchild and how she was such an encouragement and held her family close to her heart. After leaving the service (church filled to overflowing), Jaret and Kirra mentioned that they wish they would have known Ruby better. When I asked why, they said that it sounded like she was so kind and caring and that Justin had great memories of the time she spent with family. She was a woman who loved to give and love on others and she was a prayer warrior. What a blessing she was to all who knew her and to her family, she left a gift of Christian heritage.
During our time in Saskatoon I was grateful to spend time with my Grandma Martha. Kirra and I met her for lunch and then after lunch we picked up Jaret from a friend's house and went over to my grandma's house to continue our visit. It was such a blessing to be able to spend time with her. I am thankful for the relationships with my grandparents over the years. I have such fond memories of time spent with my grandparents on my mom's side and my grandmother on my dad's side of the family. When I was young, the trips taken to Saskatoon to spend holidays with my Grandma and Grandpa, to later in life being able to spend time in the summer with them, and then in university when I lived in Saskatoon and spent every Sunday with them in my first year university and then even lived with them for a summer (and Grandpa helping me with my Religious Studies coursework). I remember many special memories of time with family and I am grateful for the heritage that was handed down to me.
As I reflect back on these memories, it also causes me to think about the heritage I will pass onto my children. I desire to live my life for Christ and to build a strong foundation for my children so that when they look back one day, they will appreciate the Christian heritage that blessed them. I pray that they value family, have many special memories with their grandparents and that they grow to be passionate Christ-followers who want to serve Jesus. Not to just go through life wanting just one more something. But that they both live a life that counts.
It was good to be able to spend time with family. Life gets so busy that we often get caught up in doing rather than just being. So it was good to just be with family.
The kids thought that these 'old fashioned' tv trays were pretty neat and wondered if we could buy some so we could eat in the living room more often.
Kirra spent time looking through photo albums and had some giggles over how everyone looked.
The kitchen - so many memories visiting around this table when we arrived late at night for a weekend visit. So many memories of meals shared and games played. And just like I used to do, Kirra had fun playing with the swinging doors.
Kirra loves to colour and do crafts and loves it even better when she can do it with Grandma.
Jaret loved being able to play Blokus with Dad and Grandpa.
Jaret taught Grandma and Grandpa to play Scum. Not sure they loved it as they both were scum most of the game and Jaret and Dad took turns being President and Vice-President. Jaret and Kirra also liked learning a new game - Mexican Train.
I was grateful for a quick visit over breakfast with a couple of my girlfriends.
We were missing Sandra this time around.
The kids loved playing with their second cousins, Jayden and Kaydra. They couldn't wait to get to their place and then didn't want to leave when it was time.
Jaret and Kirra loved hanging out with Eva and are once again asking for a puppy.
During breakfast, the kids sat by the window watching the blue jays collect peanuts that Uncle Kim put out.
Jaret and Kirra spent time touring and creating a video of all of the animals that Uncle Kim and Auntie Jackie have hunted. Jaret sent the video to his teacher who loves hunting. Mr. Farquhar was so impressed by the video and all the animals. I am including just a few pics.
Kirra named this moose "Big Joe." The name seems fitting and has stuck. In fact, Kirra went around and started naming all the animals. Jaret counted that there were about 56 animals. And understandably, there are so many that it is difficult to count them all.
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